Latest Updates

Leafs' Robidas To Play Thursday

News:Stephane Robidas (arm) will play Thursday against the Flyers, Paul Hendrick of Leafs TV reports.

Analysis:Stephane Robidas was forced out of the Leafs' most recent game Saturday with the injury, but returned to action later on to finish with 18:12 of ice time. He should be sufficiently healthy for Thursday's game, where he'll join Jake Gardiner on the Leafs' third pairing.

Leafs' Robidas To Return Tuesday

Analysis: With Stephane Robidas -- who has sat out the last seven games -- set to play for the first time since Jan. 14, Petter Granberg will be bumped out of the lineup. Robidas has five points in 38 games this season.

Leafs' Robidas Likely Out Wednesday

News:Stephane Robidas (upper body) is not expected to play in Wednesday's game against the Devils, The Toronto Star reports.

Analysis:Stephane Robidas tried to participate in Monday's practice, but he ended up making an early exit. He missed Toronto's final game before the All-Star break, and he's also been a frequent healthy scratch this season.

Leafs' Robidas Dealing With Upper-Body Injury

News:Stephane Robidas is dealing with an upper-body injury and won't be available for Wednesday's game against the Senators, the Canadian Press reports.

Analysis:Stephane Robidas was presumed to be a healthy scratch for the last three games, but coach Pete Horachek acknowledged the blueliner has been bothered by an upper-body injury for the last two months and was in need of some time off. He was able to skate on his own prior to Tuesday's practice, according to TSN's Mark Masters, and is expected to be a lineup option following the All-Star break. Even at 100 percent, Robidas isn't safe bet to crack the team's top three pairings on a regular basis.

Leafs' Robidas Lays Out 12 Hits In Game

Analysis: He amped up the physicality big time on Sunday -- it had taken him four games prior to accumulate 12 hits. His fantasy value is linked to those hits. But it's hard to carry a guy for one category only.

Leafs' Robidas Bound For Press Box Friday

News:Stephane Robidas will be a healthy scratch Friday against the Red Wings, Jonas Siegel of TSN Radio 1050 reports.

Analysis: Although Stephane Robidas received clearance to play to begin the season, it seems he's still feeling the effects of the fractured right leg that limited him through most of training camp. He hasn't done much to demonstrate the shutdown defensive ability he's shown in the past, but that should come as he regains some conditioning. Jake Gardiner will spell him on Friday, but Robidas probably won't become a regular fixture in the press box for the Leafs.

Leafs' Robidas To Play Friday

News:Stephane Robidas (leg) will make his preseason debut Friday, James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail reports.

Analysis:Stephane Robidas has been seemingly healthy for the last week, but the Leafs didn't want to risk the possibility of the defenseman enduring a setback in his recovery from the broken leg. Instead, it looks like he'll only need one tune-up game in order to prepare for the start of the regular season. Robidas will slide in next to Dion Phaneuf on the top pairing Friday.

Leafs' Robidas Cleared For Contact

News:Stephane Robidas (leg) has been cleared for contact, David Alter of Sportsnet reports.

Analysis:Stephane Robidas broke his leg in the playoffs, but has been skating on his own the past few days, and was finally cleared for contact Saturday. He's expected to suit up for the Leafs' final preseason game.

Leafs' Robidas Skates

News:Stephane Robidas (leg) took the ice for the first time during training camp Monday, Jonas Siegel of TSN 1050 reports.

Analysis:Stephane Robidas is still recovering from breaking his leg during the playoffs while playing for the Ducks, but it's a good sign that he's been cleared to return to the ice. He should be ready to suit up when the regular season begins.

Leafs' Robidas (Leg) Not Yet Ready For Contact

Analysis:Stephane Robidas is still on the mend from the broken leg he suffered with the Ducks in the postseason, but the expectation is that he'll be at full health for the final two preseason games. Following the offseason trade of Carl Gunnarsson to the Blues, Robidas could be asked to join Dion Phaneuf on the team's top defensive pairing.

Robidas Signs With Leafs

News: The Leafs have signed Stephane Robidas (knee) to a three-year contract, TSN.ca reports.

Analysis: The report notes that Stephane Robidas' deal is worth an average of $3 million per season. He's bouncing back from a fractured leg that he suffered in the playoffs, but the 37-year-old blueliner -- who notched 10 points in 38 games (with the Stars and Ducks) this past season -- expects to be fully healthy for the start of training camp.

Free Agent Robidas Resumes Skating

News:Stephane Robidas (knee) has resumed skating and should have plenty of interest suitors when free agency begins Tuesday, Darren Dreger of TSN reports.

Analysis: Despite fracturing his leg twice last season and playing only 38 games as a result, the 37-year-old Stephane Robidas has recovered swiftly from the injuries and is hoping to land a two- or three-year contract this offseason. He said he expects to be fully healthy for the start of training camp.

Ducks' Robidas Probably Won't Need Surgery

News:Stephane Robidas is not expected to need surgery to repair his broken right leg, Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis:Stephane Robidas broke his right leg right above the metal rod that was inserted when he broke it earlier this season, but his recovery time should be much shorter this time around. He'll still miss the rest of the playoffs, but it's good to hear that he won't have to go through as much rehab this time around.

Ducks' Robidas Diagnosed With Broken Leg

News:Stephane Robidas was diagnosed with a fractured right leg after exiting Monday's Game 3 against the Stars. The fracture is slightly above the location where his previous fracture occurred earlier this season.

Analysis: It's perhaps a good sign that the location of the fractures is slightly different, but it's hard to take any positives away from a second break of the same leg within one season. Stephane Robidas previously broke his right leg Oct. 29, and he returned from the injury within four months, despite receiving an initial timetable of four-to-six months. He can be ruled out for the remainder of the playoffs, as his focus will now turn to getting ready for the start of next season.

Ducks' Robidas Exits With Injury

News:Stephane Robidas left Monday's Game 3 with a leg injury that does not look good, according to Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register.

Analysis: There seems to be a consensus among reporters at the game that Stephane Robidas is very likely dealing with a serious injury. This looked like more of a knee issue, but it's probably worth noting that the blueliner suffered a broken tibia in the same right leg earlier this season. If Robidas can't play in Game 4 -- a likely outcome -- Luca Sbisa could join the lineup, after being a healthy scratch in each of the first three games.

Robidas Scores In Ducks' Win

News:Stephane Robidas scored his first goal as a member of the Ducks 16 seconds into overtime in a victory over the Jets on Monday.

Analysis: While Monday's unassisted goal is Stephane Robidas first in his seven games with the Ducks, his three assists over his last five games indicates that he may be getting used to his new team's style of play.

Ducks' Robidas Good To Go

News:Stephane Robidas (leg) will make his debut for the Ducks on Tuesday against the Capitals.

Analysis: Coach Bruce Boudreau indicated that he may manage Stephane Robidas' minutes Tuesday, given that it will be the blueliner's first NHL game since Nov. 29, when he was still a member of the Stars. While with Dallas, Robidas recorded five points in 24 games before being sidelined by a leg injury.

Ducks' Robidas Nears Return

News: While Stephane Robidas (leg) had been targeting March 14, coach Bruce Boudreau suggested that the team's March 18 contest against the Caps might be a better fit for the blueliner's return to action, NHL.com's Curtis Zupke reports.

Analysis:Stephane Robidas, who is bouncing back from a broken fibia that he suffered in late November, was acquired by the Ducks in advance of the NHL trade deadline to bolster the team's blue line. In 24 games prior to sustaining his leg injury back on Nov. 29, Robidas recorded five points for the Stars.

Ducks Acquire Robidas From Stars

News:Stephane Robidas (leg) was traded to the Ducks in exchange for a conditional fourth-round draft pick, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports.

Analysis: In order to facilitate the deal, the Ducks sent Dallas the draft pick they acquired from the Capitals for Dustin Penner, effectively making it a Penner-for-Stephane Robidas swap. Robidas hasn't played since November after suffering a broken fibia, but he's expected to be ready to play within the next two weeks. He shouldn't have much difficulty finding a regular role in the Anaheim lineup.

Robidas Progressing Well For Dallas

News:Stephane Robidas is skating and "making improvements." His return is still on schedule for a mid-March return and "could even be bumped up to early March if he continues to make progress," according to Mike Heika of Dallas Morning News.

Analysis:Stephane Robidas return would be huge for a Dallas team that is on the cusp in the West. He also presents a a very good option for fantasy owners  especially in deep leagues  as waiver pickups could get thin down the stretch.

Stars' Robidas Begins Skating

News:Stephane Robidas (leg) began skating on his own Wednesday, NHL.com's Mark Stepneski reports.

Analysis:Stephane Robidas still has about 2-4 months left in the recovery timetable hashed out for him after he underwent surgery on his broken leg in late November, so there's still a distinct possibility he misses the rest of the season. The Stars will monitor his progress slowly over the next couple of months, but until he heads out on a rehab assignment, he shouldn't be considered close to a return.

Stars' Robidas Out 4-6 Months

News:Stephane Robidas underwent surgery Saturday to repair a broken fibia and will be out for the next four to six months, TSN's Darren Dreger reports.

Analysis: While the news of the successful surgery is encouraging, this was, more or less, the worst-case scenario for Stephane Robidas. He suffered a break in the fibula and had a rod inserted to help the injury heal properly. With proper rehab, the recovery time will probably lean closer to six than the minimum four months. He will be placed on injured reserve and a corresponding move will be announced soon.

Stars' Robidas (Leg) Has Surgery Saturday

Analysis:Stephane Robidas suffered a broken leg after crashing into the boards during Friday night's game. The team has not updated anyone on the exact location or severity of the break, but from the sounds of everything, we can probably estimate somewhere in the six-to-eight-week range for recovery time. The team is supposed to update the media sometime in the afternoon on Saturday.

Stars' Robidas Diagnosed With Leg Fracture

News: Updating a previous item: Stephane Robidas was taken to the hospital after x-rays revealed a fracture in his leg, Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis:Stephane Robidas had crashed into the boards with his leg awkwardly tucked underneath him and was taken off the ice on a stretcher. Obviously it depends on the severity and location of the fracture, but it sounds like he could be out for a fairly long time.

Stars' Robidas Suffers Apparently Serious Leg Injury

News:Stephane Robidas suffered an apparently serious right leg injury during Friday's game against the Blackhawks, Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: In the second period, Stephane Robidas slid into the end boards and his right leg seemed to twist under him. His teammates immediately called for a trainer, and while the exact nature severity of the injury is not yet known, it didn't look good. Trevor Daley figures to skate with Brenden Dillon on the top pair the rest of the way.

Stars' Robidas Getting Close To Return

Analysis:Stephane Robidas will not play Tuesday night, but there is an outside shot he could return for Thursday's game against the Predators. Even if Robidas does not play Thursday, it appears he is closing in on a return to game action.

Stars' Robidas Ruled Out For Friday

News:Stephane Robidas (foot) missed Wednesday's game and will not play in Friday's either, Mark Stepneski of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: With Stephane Robidas already ruled out for Friday, he'll have a few days to rest before the Stars' next game Monday. If not Monday, consider next Thursday as a logical target for his return.

Stars' Robidas Makes Preseason Debut

Analysis: It remains to be seen how Stephane Robidas will be deployed on the power play if Sheldon Souray proves capable, but it's nice to see Robidas log big minutes in his return from offseason hip surgery in any event.

Robidas ends multi-point drought

News:The Sports Xchange reports Stars D Stephane Robidas had two assists Wednesday against the Flames, his first multi-point game since he had a goal and an assist against Anaheim on Dec. 31. He has assists in three of his last four games (four total).

Analysis: Robidas still doesn't have a goal in 13 January games and is statistically having his worst month of the season. However, his late January push gives us hope he is ready to right the ship. Robidas is still a decent play in most Fantasy formats.

Robidas getting back into rhythm

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas tallied an assist during Friday's game against the Oilers. He has an assist in two straight games and four of six. He has 21 helpers on the season, just two shy of his career high.

Analysis: Robidas is beginning to heat up again after battling a cold spell in the first few weeks of January. Robidas has really become a complete blueliner in 2009-10 and has worked his way up to being a high-end Fantasy option.

Robidas sets two new career high

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas scored a goal and tallied an assist on Thursday against the Ducks. Robidas put Dallas in front 3-2 when his shot from the right point pinballed off Ducks defenseman Nick Boynton's skate and into the net. He has three goals and five assists in his last seven games.

Analysis: What a way to end 2009. With the two points on Thursday, Robidas has already set a career high with 10 goals and 27 assists and we are only halfway through the year. We aren't sure if Robidas will keep up this pace, but while he is on a roll, you might as well start him in Fantasy.

Robidas active, records an assist

News: Dallas D Stephane Robidas was able to play through a facial injury suffered in practice on Sunday. On Tuesday against Chicago, Robidas was able to get an assist on a goal scored by Loui Eriksson 57 seconds into the second period.

Analysis: Robidas has become the Stars' best two-way blueliner, so it's good to see him not miss any time due to this facial injury. As long as he is active and healthy, Fantasy owners should keep Robidas active across the board.

Robidas might dress on Tuesday

News:The Dallas Morning News reports Stars D Stephane Robidas missed practice on Monday after getting hit in the face with a puck during Sunday's practice. However, he might play Tuesday with a cage on his mask he has worn in the past.

Analysis: It seems an injury is about the only thing that could slow down Robidas, who has become the Stars' most effective two-way blueliner. He is on pace for a career season and has emerged as a high-end Fantasy defenseman. It doesn't seem this latest setback is that big of an issue, so keep Robidas active for Week 13 (Dec. 28-Jan. 3).

Robidas scores twice on power play

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas scored twice and added an assist on Thursday against the Thrashers. Robidas scored on the power play 2:12 into the first and 4:43 into the third, but he couldn't celebrate his three points as Dallas lost 6-5 in overtime. "In a losing game it's unimportant," he said.

Analysis: Robidas has tied his career-high with seven power-play scores and is also one goal away from setting a new career mark with 10 in a season. He is already up to 21 points and well on his way to eclipsing his previous high of 26. We think you get the point. Robidas is having a career campaign in 2009-10 and has a long way to go to add to his totals. He has become a solid Fantasy start.

Robidas closing in on new career high

News:The Sports Xchange reports Stars D Stephane Robidas continues his torrid pace, scoring his seventh goal on Saturday against the Lightning. Robidas is just two goals away from his career-high of nine set in the 2007-08 season. His goal was also his fifth power-play goal this season, which leads NHL defensemen.

Analysis: Robidas signed a four-year extension in the offseason and is showing that he deserved every penny. He is well on his way to setting new career highs across the board and is quickly becoming a viable Fantasy start.

Robidas has first four-point game

News:Stephane Robidas kept shooting the puck, and good things kept happening for the Dallas defenseman. Robidas had two goals and two assists, rookie Tom Wandell scored the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period and the Stars beat the New Jersey Devils 5-3 on Saturday. "Sometimes everything you touch seems to go in," Robidas said after his second career two-goal game. "It's pretty simple." Robidas had his first career four-point game, adding eight hits and two blocked shots. "He's a warrior," said Brad Richards, who had four assists. "He does things game in and game out that only teammates see. We know how valuable he is. His heart is always in the right place."

Analysis: There are some players you never have to ask to step up or give a little more. They don't need motivating. They do that on their own and come with a strong game -- or as close as they can get to it -- just about every time. Robidas is one of those guys. The 5-foot-11 veteran would never intimidate anyone with his size, but he definitely makes up for that with his heart and toughness. He's also become a locker room leader, wearing an "A" after earning it late last season. Signed to a four-year extension before this season started, Robidas is showing once again how dependable he is. "I never put big numbers up, I just try to focus playing defensively and physically," Robidas said. "So when I can contribute offensively to help, it's really nice." Robidas has 14 points in 22 games this season and is going to be a hot pickup in Fantasy. He is well on his way to eclipsing his career-high 26 points.

Robidas avoids serious injury

News: Dallas got a scare when defenseman Stephane Robidas left after getting hit in the face with a point shot in the first period Sunday against the Canucks. However, Robidas was back in the second. He finished with an assist and plus-2 rating in 19:22 of ice time.

Analysis: Dallas is not the only party glad Robidas avoided a serious injury. After posting one goal and three assists in his first four games, Fantasy owners are also happy Robidas is still in the active lineup. Robidas has never managed more than 26 points in a season and there is no telling if he can keep up this torrid pace. Consider him more of a Fantasy sleeper until we get a good read on Robidas' progress under first-year coach Marc Crawford.

Robidas has two assists, plus-5

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-5 during Friday's 5-2 win against the Flames. He now has three points (one goal) in his last two games.

Analysis: Robidas slumped to three goals in 2008-09 after he totaled a career-high nine in 2007-08. He has finished with 26 points the last two seasons, which is a career best. Robidas is one of the Stars' leaders on defense, but he he plays a solid two-way game. His is not strictly an offensive blueliner. For that, he has low-end Fantasy appeal.

Robidas scores through screen Tuesday

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas scored a goal during Tuesday's 5-4 shootout win against the Oilers. Dallas regained the 3-2 advantage on a power play 11:57 into the second as Robidas beat Nikolai Khabibulin on a screened shot after a couple of scrambles in front of the Oilers net.

Analysis: Robidas slumped to three goals in 2008-09 after he totaled a career-high nine in 2007-08. He has finished with 26 points the last two seasons, which is a career best. Robidas is one of the Stars' leaders on defense, but he he plays a solid two-way game. His is not strictly an offensive blueliner. For that, he has low-end Fantasy appeal.

Robidas inks four-year extension

News: The Dallas Stars have signed defenseman Stephane Robidas to a $13.2 million, four-year contract extension, through the 2013-14 season. General manager Joe Nieuwendyk said Thursday that Robidas, entering the fifth season of his second Dallas stint, is a key member of the leadership group.

Analysis: The 32-year-old Robidas set career highs in assists (23) last season while averaging a team-high 24 1/2 minutes of ice time per game. Robidas was drafted by Montreal, made his debut in October 1999 and was waived three years later. Atlanta claimed him and traded him to the Stars, who then sent him to Chicago in November 2003. He returned to the Stars as a free agent in 2005 after the NHL lockout ended. Robidas is one of the Stars' top-logging defenseman, but since he doesn't have great offensive skills, he remains more of a low-end Fantasy option.

Robidas misses last seven games

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas was not active for Friday's season finale against the Ducks and missed the last seven games with a lower-body injury.

Analysis: It would have been nice to see Robidas finish out the season, but this injury isn't expected to keep him out of training camp next season. Robidas has been a leader on the Stars' blue line this season, but will be just a low-end Fantasy defenseman on Draft Day 2009.

Robidas questionable for finale

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas was not active Thursday against the Avalanche because of a lower-body injury. He has missed the last six games and remains questionable for Friday against the Ducks.

Analysis: Whether Robidas plays in Friday's finale or not seems insignificant for Fantasy purposes at this point. Robidas has been a leader on the Stars' blue line this season, but will be just a low-end Fantasy defenseman on Draft Day 2009.

Robidas sits again vs. Wild

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas (lower body) did not play Tuesday against the Wild. He has missed the last five games and remains questionable for Thursday against the Avalanche.

Analysis: The Stars have been eliminated from the playoff picture, so getting Robidas back in the lineup isn't a priority. Robidas continues to be a leader on the blue line for Dallas, but is a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy. He will be a low-end Fantasy defenseman on Draft Day 2009.

Robidas remains out on Saturday

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas (lower body) did not play Saturday against the Blues. He has missed the last four games and remains questionable for Tuesday at Minnesota.

Analysis: Robidas has been averaging 24-plus minutes this season. He has tied his career-high in points (23), but he has been more of a passer than scorer in 2008-09. Robidas continues to be a leader on the blue line for Dallas, but is a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy. He is likely not a player to have active in the upcoming scoring period as he is an injury risk.

Injury keeps Robidas sidelined

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas (lower body) did not play Thursday against the Flames. He has missed the last three games and remains questionable for Saturday against the Blues.

Analysis: Robidas has been averaging 24-plus minutes this season. He has tied his career-high in points (23), but he has been more of a passer than scorer in 2008-09. Robidas continues to be a leader on the blue line for Dallas, but is a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.

Robidas stays in press box

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas (lower body) did not play Tuesday against the Kings. He has missed the last two games and remains questionable for Thursday against the Flames.

Analysis: Robidas has been averaging 24-plus minutes this season. He has tied his career-high in points (23), but he has been more of a passer than scorer in 2008-09. Robidas continues to be a leader on the blue line for Dallas, but is a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.

Robidas skips Monday's game

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas was scratched Monday against the Coyotes because of a lower-body injury. He remains questionable heading into Tuesday against the Kings.

Analysis: Robidas played 28 minutes Saturday before leaving the game against the Panthers and has been averaging 24-plus minutes this season. He has tied his career-high in points (23), but he has been more of a passer than scorer in 2008-09. Robidas continues to be a leader on the blue line for Dallas, but is a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.

Robidas suffers lower-body injury

News:The Sports Xchange reports as if there weren't enough injuries, the Stars lost two more defensemen on Saturday. Mark Fistric went out with an upper-body injury before the second period and Stephane Robidas suffered a lower-body injury late. Both are day to day.

Analysis: Robidas played 28 minutes Saturday before leaving the game and has been averaging 24-plus minutes this season. He has tied his career-high in points (23), but he has been more of a passer than scorer in 2008-09. Robidas continues to be a leader on the blue line for Dallas, but is a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy. Consider him an injury-risk start Week 26 (March 30-April 5).

Robidas records 100th assist

News:The Sports Xchange reports Stars D Stephane Robidas' assist on Brian Sutherby's goal Sunday against the Predators was the 100th of his NHL career. It was Robidas' first point since he had an assist on Jan. 21 against Florida.

Analysis: Robidas has been fairly quiet offensively since Dallas has gone on a bit of a winning streak in recent weeks, but he has been playing very solid defense. He has 20 points and a plus-14 rating this season. Robidas is a top-logging defenseman for Dallas, but remains more of a low-end Fantasy option.

Robidas closes in on 100 assists

News:The Sports Xchange reports Stars D Stephane Robidas assisted on Jere Lehtinen's goal Saturday against the Kings, giving him 97 helpers for his NHL career. He has two points in his last three games after getting zero in the first four games of January.

Analysis: Robidas has been solid through the first half of the 2008-09 season, although his scoring is a bit down after netting a career-high nine goals last season. Robidas is solid at both ends of the ice for Dallas, but remains more of a low-end Fantasy defenseman since he is not an overpowering offensive presence.

Robidas has five penalties in last two

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas has taken five penalties in his last two games. He had all of six in his previous 12 games.

Analysis: Robidas frustration has come in the form of penalties as Dallas continues to have their struggles in 2008-09. He is one of the Stars' top-logging defenseman, but has scored just once this season. He is a do-it-all defenseman, but Robidas is a low-end Fantasy option.

Robidas, Ott, Lundqvist back Thurs.

Analysis: Robidas hasn't scored a goal since October and has just five points in his last 16 games. He has some value in deeper leagues, but don't expect too much out of him. Ott returns to being primarily a Fantasy flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM. Lundqvist is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve at best.

Robidas out at least a week

Analysis: Robidas hasn't scored a goal since October and has just five points in his last 16 games. He is seeing more playing time with Sergei Zubov injured and Philippe Boucher traded to Pittsburgh, but he still remains more of a low-end Fantasy option when healthy. Ignore him in Fantasy Week 11 (Dec. 15-21).

Robidas sits out on Saturday

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas (oral surgery) was scratched Saturday against the Predators. Robidas was hit in the face by a puck Wednesday night against the Coyotes. He had an assist before leaving the game.

Analysis: Robidas hasn't scored a goal since October and has just five points in his last 16 games. He is seeing more playing time with Sergei Zubov injured and Philippe Boucher traded to Pittsburgh, but he still remains more of a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.

Robidas scratched against Detroit

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas (oral surgery) was scratched Friday against the Red Wings. Robidas was hit in the face by a puck Wednesday night against the Coyotes. He had an assist before leaving the game.

Analysis: Robidas hasn't scored a goal since October and has just five points in his last 16 games. He is seeing more playing time with Sergei Zubov injured and Philippe Boucher traded to Pittsburgh, but he still remains more of a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.

Robidas has one point in eight games

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 in 24:12 of ice time Saturday against the Coyotes. It was his first point in eight games.

Analysis: Robidas had a pretty solid October with seven points in 11 games, but has just one point in six November games. His offensive production has dropped dramatically since the return of Sergei Zubov and it was kind of expected. Robidas continues to lose Fantasy value and is not a recommended start outside of the deepest of leagues at this time.

Robidas tallies power-play goal

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas scored a power-play goal during Wednesday's 6-4 win against the Predators. Robidas gave the Stars the lead when his one-timer glanced off the stick of a Nashville player and past goalie Dan Ellis with 10 seconds left in the opening period.

Analysis: Robidas has four points (three assists) in the team's first three games and has done an admirable job again filling in for the injured Sergei Zubov. Robidas will lose some Fantasy appeal when Zubov is healthy, so he remains more of a low-end Fantasy option.

Robidas nets three assist game

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas picked up three assists in 28 minutes of ice time Friday night against Columbus. He finished even in the plus/minus rating.

Analysis: Robidas will need to lead the way again to open the season as D Sergei Zubov is not expected back until late this month because of hip surgery. The 31-year-old defenseman had a career-high 26 points in 2007-08. He still remains more of a low-end Fantasy defenseman.

Robidas coming off strong postseason

News:The Sports Xchange reports Stars D Stephane Robidas was impressive in the postseason in 2007-08 (11 points in 18 games) and has become a durable leader for the younger Dallas defensemen.

Analysis: Robidas will need to lead the way again to open the season as D Sergei Zubov is not expected back until late October because of hip surgery. The 31-year-old defenseman had a career-high 26 points in 2007-08. He still remains more of a low-end Fantasy defenseman.

Surgery helps Robidas breathe better

News:The Sports Xchange reports Stars D Stephane Robidas is looking a little different these days after undergoing nose surgery in late May. Robidas, whose nose has been broken several times, underwent the 3-1/2-hour surgery to alleviate breathing problems. Doctors took cartilage from his left ear and put it in his reconstructed nose.

Analysis: The 31-year-old defenseman had a career-high 26 points in 2007-08 as the Stars were without Sergei Zubov and Philippe Boucher for most of the season. The duo is healthy heading into training camp, so better breathing or not, Robidas will return to a marginal offensive weapon. He remains nothing more than a low-end Fantasy defenseman.

Robidas gets two power play goals

News:Stephane Robidas scored twice in the second period Friday night in the Dallas Stars' 4-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Robidas scored both his goals on power plays. He snapped a 1-1 tie when he beat Jean-Sebastien Giguere with a slap shot from the right point at 4:56 of the period. His second goal of the night and sixth of the season came with a two-man advantage, after the Ducks' Travis Moen and Francois Beauchemin went off for crosschecking. Robidas banged a shot down the slot that bounced past Giguere, who was screened on the play.

Analysis: Robidas has not scored in the last five games prior to Friday. The Stars' win was the eighth in nine games and also ended the Ducks' five-game winning streak. Robidas is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier at this time.

Robidas gets goal, assist in win

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas picked up his second two-point game of the season Tuesday when he tallied a goal and an assist in a 4-3 win over the Canucks.

Analysis: Robidas is a top-line defenseman with the Stars, but only has 12 points this season. He lets Sergei Zubov get most of the offensive contributions when he's playing. Ignore him in all formats.

Robidas scores a rare goal

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas had a rare goal on a power play during a physical first period Sunday against the Ducks. It was his second goal of the season and first since Nov. 8 against the Coyotes. He now has two of his 11 points this season in his last three games.

Analysis: Robidas is a solid role player for the Stars, but is more important to his team than he is to Fantasy owners. He is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier at this time.

Robidas nets two helpers

News: Stars D Stephane Robidas assisted on two goals and finished at plus-2 during Saturday's game against the Kings. He also spent two minutes in the penalty box. Robidas has all three of his points on the season (1 G, 2 A) in his last two games.

Analysis: Robidas is a solid role player for the Stars, but is more important to his team than he is to Fantasy owners. He is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier at this time.

Robidas expected back soon

News: Stars defenseman Stephane Robidas missed his fourth straight game Saturday with a concussion after he was knocked unconscious by a punch from Nashville's Jordin Tootoo on March 17. Robidas has not skated the past three days, but is expected to return to Dallas' lineup within the next week.

Analysis: Robidas is considered an injury-risk start for the upcoming scoring period. It is recommended that you go with healthier alternatives in the meantime. He is a low-end Fantasy defender when healthy.

D Robidas out at least a week

News: The Nashville Tennessean reports Stephane Robidas (concussion) will be sidelined at least another week after being crushed over the week by a cheap shot from Jordin Tootoo in a game against Nashville.

Analysis: Keep Robidas out until he can officially return and prove his health. That will keep him out of the lineup until at least Fantasy Week 27 (April 2-8).

Robidas sits out on Sunday

News: The Stars were without D Stephane Robidas on Sunday at Phoenix after he was knocked unconscious when punched by Nashville's Jordin Tootoo late in the third period on Saturday night.

Analysis: Robidas was carried off the ice on a stretcher and was taken to a local hospital. He had a concussion but accompanied the team on the flight back to Dallas. Robidas will have tests on Monday and is day-to-day.

Robidas picks up an assist

News: Stephane Robidas picked up an assist with two shots on goal in 26:22 of ice time in Monday's game against Los Angeles.

Analysis: Robidas still has just two assists in the past 11 games. He might see more playing time with Philippe Boucher (upper body) and Sergei Zubov (lower body) sidelined. He is worth a look in all larger Fantasy leagues right now.

Stars ink Robidas to extension

News: The Stars signed defenseman Stephane Robidas to a three-year contract extension worth $4.5 million Wednesday. Robidas had a career-high 15 assists and 20 points for the Stars in 2005-2006. This season, the 29-year-old has appeared in 27 games and has registered eight assists. His contract was set to expire at the end of the season. "Stephane brings a relentless work ethic to the rink each day and has earned his three-year extension," Dallas general manager Doug Armstrong said. "He is a passionate player who is built for the new NHL and we are happy to have him here over the next three-plus seasons."

Analysis: Robidas has been a solid addition for Fantasy owners in leagues which encourage penalty minutes (45 PIM). He also has a plus-6 rating. Consider him a decent low-end Fantasy defenseman in deeper leagues.

Robidas turning it around?

News: Stephane Robidas picked up an assist in his last game on Friday against the Hurricanes and might be starting to turn his season around.

Analysis: After opening the season with only one assist in the first 13 games, but he has posted five points (2 G, 3 A) over the past 11 starts. Until he starts producing more consistently, he is only worth a reserve roster spot in larger Fantasy leagues.

Robidas on second D pairing

News: The Dallas Morning News reports Stephane Robidas had a sensational preseason and he will be paired with Philippe Boucher on the team's second defensive pairing.

Analysis: Sergei Zubov will partner up with Martin Skoula on the team's top defensive pairing. Robidas is a fringe Fantasy player, useful only in leagues of 12 or more teams which use five or more defensemen.

Robidas returns to Dallas

News: The Dallas Stars signed defenseman Stephane Robidas to a two-year deal on Saturday. Robidas, a five-year veteran, played parts of two seasons in Dallas before being traded in 2003. He played 90 games for the Stars and had four goals and seven assists before being dealt to the Chicago Blackhawks for defenseman Jon Klemm.

Analysis: The 28-year-old Robidas spent the lockout playing in the German Elite League, where he had 15 goals and 32 assists. Robidas is only worth drafting as a reserve defenseman.

News: The Dallas Stars acquired Robidas from the Atlanta Thrashers, who claimed him from the Montreal Canadiens earlier in Friday's NHL waiver draft. Robidas will be merely a depth player in Dallas, and while his plus/minus will certainly improve, he is not worth drafting in a Fantasy league.